Cybersecurity Isn’t Optional; It’s a Necessity for Business Survival – Iremise Fidel-Anyanna
Iremise Fidel-Anyanna, a cybersecurity expert with a strong background in Computer Science and Information Technology, has highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity for businesses in Nigeria.
As the Head of Information and Cybersecurity at Lotus Bank, Fidel-Anyanna has a wealth of experience safeguarding digital infrastructures.
In a recent interview, he stressed that cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for the survival and growth of modern businesses.
“Every Nigerian business, regardless of size, must understand that cybersecurity is as essential as paying your electricity bills,” Fidel-Anyanna said.
“We are in an era where data is as valuable as oil, and protecting that data is non-negotiable.”
He noted that many Nigerian companies still view cybersecurity as an afterthought, which often leads to vulnerabilities being exploited by cybercriminals.
According to him, one of the major challenges is the lack of awareness and education about the evolving nature of cyber threats.
“Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated. It’s not just about stealing money anymore—they are after intellectual property, personal data, and even disrupting operations.
Businesses must stay ahead by investing in robust cybersecurity measures,” he explained.
Fidel-Anyanna advised organisations to take proactive steps, such as conducting regular risk assessments, implementing multi-factor authentication, and training employees to recognise and respond to phishing attempts.
He also recommended leveraging global best practices, including ISO certifications and frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, to bolster defenses.
When asked about the cost of implementing these measures, Fidel-Anyanna was quick to respond. “Yes, there’s a cost, but consider the alternative. The financial and reputational damage from a data breach far outweighs the cost of prevention. Cybersecurity is an investment, not an expense.”
Fidel-Anyanna also urged the Nigerian government to prioritise cybersecurity as part of the country’s digital agenda. He called for stronger enforcement of existing regulations and incentives for businesses to adopt cutting-edge technologies.
“Initiatives like the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) are steps in the right direction, but implementation and enforcement must improve. We need public-private partnerships to build a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem,” he concluded.
Adeola Adeyemi
Public Relations Officer
Writes from Lagos
